By: Francesca Mingione

Everywhere you turn you are probably seeing and hearing the following phrases: “go green,” “eco-friendly,” and “environmentally conscious.” The push, especially for Americans, to reduce pollution and help save the environment is based on evidence that the decisions we have made, and continue to make, are damaging the air we breathe and the land we live on. As part of its year-round effort to promote sustainability in the community, the township of Maplewood has a Green Day environmental fair each year.  With a long tradition of being a leader in environmental initiatives, the township of Maplewood uses this event to highlight existing programs, share different ways of reducing one’s environmental impact, and engage and teach residents of all ages.

The 4th Annual Maplewood Green Day, the state's largest eco-friendly lifestyle showcase, returns to Memorial Park on October 9, 2010. Building on last year's success, Maplewood Gren Day 2010 -- which demonstrates simple ways that every person can make more planet-friendly -- is expected to attract 3000 attendees to this year's event. The fair is a community celebration with live music, how-to demonstrations, and over 80 eco-vendors, environmental organizations, health and fitness representatives, organic and local food providers and farmers.

Green Day offers a variety of events and activities for all ages.  Local bands will include: Half-Step Up, Aubrey Sinclair, Miera, David Easton Band, Deux Guitares Manouches and Martin Leyes Quintet.  Kids will enjoy the eco-entertainment shows provided by Kid Power and the Planet Protectors and Live Animals of the Rain Forest.  New this year, Liberty Science Center will be providing planet-friendly kids activities and the fair will have a variety of electric cars on display including the Tesla. Demonstrations all day will include backyard composting, local food cooking, rain gardens/rain barrels and fitness demos in yoga, kids fitness, hooping, dancing and IntenSati. There will be an eco-bike tour to visit local examples of solar, native plantings and xeriscaping.  The event will provide a free shred-a-thon where residents can bring in their old paperwork for shredding. Planet-friendly fun activities include a giant 40-foot tall rock climbing wall, a petting zoo, face painting, chair massages, kid’s environmental games, and much more.  And as if that isn’t enough, the fair will also present the Regional Open Fencing Tournament and a BMX Ramp Trick Show with the Grove Street BMX team.

Don't miss the biggest green event of the season. Whether you come out to enjoy the family-focused activities or to learn how your family can start going green, the event will be a sure hit.

To learn more about Maplewood Green Day, visit www.maplewoodgreenday.org.
For a FULL SCHEDULE of the day's events CLICK HERE.
To take the MAPLEWOOD GREEN DAY CHALLENGE, CLICK HERE.

Macaroni Kid South Orange-Livingston is a proud sponsor of Maplewood Green Day. Visit us at the vendors table to enjoy FREE craft projects for your kids.